3 Haunted Hostels for Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching and there are adults (oh, and kids too) all over the world looking forward to Monday 31st October and the opportunity to dress up, put on a monster mask and go out to scare the neighbours with a ‘trick or treat’. Other fun activities for Halloween include making jack-o’-lanterns out of pumpkins, playing pranks, telling scary stories and, oh, visiting haunted buildings!

The origins of Halloween are lost in history and there are thoughts that it might have come from the Roman feast of Pomona; the festival of the dead called Parentalia or even linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain. One thing for certain however is that Halloween is a day for scaring people and so we would like to throw in a mix of 3 of our scariest haunted hostels from around the world.

In the dead of night, everyone will hear your screams in these hostels!

Ottawa Jail Hostel in Canada

The HI-Ottawa Hostel in Canada offers a clean, safe and unique overnight experience for anyone who wants to stay in this incredible historical building. Formerly the Carleton County Jail built in the 1860’s, this Jail Hostel is said to be one of the most haunted places in the whole of Canada. The hostel is thought to be haunted by many spirits, one being Patrick J. Whelan who was found guilty of the killing of politician Thomas D’Arcy McGee. Patrick is said to lurk around his cell on ‘Death Row’ and appear at the end of unsuspecting guest’s beds from time to time. For those wanting a spooky tour of the jail, be sure to check out ‘The Hole’, ‘The Gallows’ and ‘The Lounge’. The hostel offers private rooms and also shared accommodation in converted Jail cells – you may be pleased to be sharing your room with someone other than a ghost! Book Ottawa Jail Hostel.

Carbisdale Castle Hostel in Scotland

Carbisdale is an enchanting castle that is steeped in history and set in fine woodlands just an hour’s drive north of Inverness. As well as the usual facilities a castle would offer, such as fine statue gallery and art collection, the castle is also reported to house several ghosts. Several sightings include a lady in white and also fallen soldiers to the tune of bagpipes from the Battle of Carbisdale that took place in 1650. If you’re out in the garden, be sure to keep an eye out for the ‘Hooded Gardener’, dressed in black and looking for his lost daughter who was aged 15. Carbisdale Castle is a very popular venue for families, weddings and group visits and to find out more of what this wonderful highland castle has to offer please read our Fancy Staying in a Highland Castle article. Book Carbisdale Castle.

Hostel Ed in Sweden

Dals-Ed hostel is an old parsonage that was built in the 1700s. History tells us that the house was commissioned by the village priest who by a curse was haunted by a poor woman and therefore could not continue living in the former rectory. Despite this, Dals-Ed is a place that many tourists feel offers a calm atmosphere and the best place on earth to find peace of mind. Ed is built between two lakes Big and Small Le and for those who want to get really close to nature there is an elk farm in Ed, where moose can be experienced at close quarters. Book Hostel Ed.

Don’t know about scary but sleeping in the converted cell at langholmen prison hostel took some getting
used to!! Thankfully no rattling of chains in the night and the cosy hostel bar helped to relax!! A definitely recommendation

Carbisdale is just beautiful and has a great history… tried to forget the ghosty stories when I visited during my time at Hostelling Scotland otherwise I might not have survived the day looking around. Certainly didn’t know about the Hooded Gardener – yikes! But I did get shown the secret staircase – mwah ha ha!!